Trade development programme launched

Alderman Allan Ewart, Chair of the Council's Development Committee is pictured with local company representatives who attended the information session on the two upcoming trade development programmes.

These programmes will be delivered by the Northern Ireland Trade Consultants (NITC) and will visit Prague in March and Amsterdam in April 2016.

This time around the programmes are targeted at local business owners and managers who wish to be equipped with the relevant in-depth knowledge, know-how and confidence to successfully operate in these markets.

Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, speaking about the Programmes, said: “The Council appreciates that all businesses are being challenged in the current economic climate to find new customers both locally and globally.

“To assist such businesses the Council has identified the Central European and Dutch marketplaces as a focus for potential new trade development activity.

“These programmes will support businesses to research new potential export markets in terms of customers, importers, distribution partners and suppliers or subcontractors.

“The ability to avail of the Sterling’s strength by sourcing components in Europe will assist with improving product price.

“Last year the same trade programme proved a great success with local businesses collectively identifying new trade opportunities estimated at £1 million.

“This is excellent news for the local economy and the Council is keen to facilitate two such trade missions in 2016.

“I would encourage any local business that has the potential to expand into international markets to contact the Council’s Business Solutions Team and avail of the support on offer or make contact with the delivery agent, who can provide further details,” concluded Alderman Ewart.

Due to the Council’s substantial contribution each participating business will only be required to pay £500 (ex. VAT) as their contribution to the programme that will include travel and accommodation.

The programme is now open for recruitment and if you are a business based within the Council area and interested in finding out further information please contact Steve Murnaghan on 0031 20 421 7400 or by email on [email protected]